Shakespeare in Performance

This subject is not offered in 2013.

Total expected time commitment is 102-hours across the semester, including class time.

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106-251 Shakespeare

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject investigates the adaptation of Shakespeare’s drama from page to stage and beyond. It will introduce Shakespeare in historical and contemporary eras, in western and non-western sites of criticism and performance, including avant-garde and postmodern contexts for Shakespeare and Shakespearean adaptation in film and television. The subject will examine Shakespeare's canon and key literary perspectives, including discussion of Shakespeare’s plays in relation to issues of cultural politics and power.

On completion of the subject students should have:

• developed an understanding of Shakespeare’s theatre as literature and in performance;
• explored the importance of Shakespeare in historical, modern and contemporary contexts;
• investigated intercultural contexts for Shakespeare and examine Shakespeare’s plays in relation to society and cultural politics;
• investigated adaptation of Shakespeare’s plays in experimental theatre and in film and television.

One short essay of 1000 words due mid-semester (30%), one in-class small group exercise on performing Shakespeare, presented in tutorials and written-up equivalent to 1000 words (20%), one essay of 2000 words due in the examination (50%). This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 75% attendance and regular participation in tutorials. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

A Subject Reader will be available with additional texts, including Heiner Müller, Hamletmachine.

• Shakespeare, The Taming of the Shrew; A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Titus Andronicus; Hamlet; Macbeth; The Tempest (Oxford Shakespeare editions preferred).

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Students who successfully complete this subject will be able to:

• communicate knowledge in oral, written and creative forms;
• manage their time through productive use of time and responding to deadlines;
• think and work creatively and apply imagination in responding to tasks;
• think critically and analyse through recommended reading, performance analysis and discussion.